What is MEPP?
The Manufacturing and Engineering Partnership Program (MEPP) is Coopersville High School’s one-of-a-kind K–12 engineering and manufacturing program developed in collaboration with West Michigan industry partners.
Through hands-on learning and industry connections, students gain early exposure to real career pathways while developing both technical skills and career readiness. Students age 16 and older can access a pathway to employment with partner companies during high school, after graduation, or following college. All partner companies offer college tuition assistance as part of their benefits package.
Student MissionTo develop the skills needed for success while gaining exposure to career opportunities in the manufacturing industry through courses shaped by industry leaders. Gain access to meaningful employment, personal growth opportunities, and benefits such as training and education cost assistance. | Industry MissionSupport CAPS students from PreK–12 in exploring career pathways through high school. Inspire interest in the manufacturing industry, including careers in engineering and skilled trades, while positively influencing the supply chain of quality candidates for industry and evolving workforce needs. |
How Students Experience MEPP
Students engage with MEPP through hands-on coursework, career exploration opportunities, and direct connections with industry partners.
Explore the MEPP Student Experience
How Students Experience MEPP
| Electives CHS has 17 different classes that support students in exploring skills that may be of interest that apply to the manufacturing industry as well as many other careers whose focus is in the tech, engineering, or trades. | MEPP Prep Class The MEPP Prep class offered to juniors and seniors offers the opportunity to explore the wide variety of careers offered in the manufacturing industry by presentations and tours of partner locations. Resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills are developed, benefiting all students regardless of career interests. |
| Guaranteed Interviews MEPP partners agree to provide guaranteed interviews for students interested in finding employment. Partners provide updated information on what job opportunities are available and CHS Student Services provide assistance with writing resumes and interviewing skill preparation. | 8th Grade Summer Camp Our middle school has a strong industrial tech program and students hoping to understand the opportunities at the high school have the opportunity to attend a summer camp at the high school. |
| Electrothon Coopersville High School offers Engineering 1, Engineering 2, and Captains Engineering as elective options for juniors and seniors. Students interested in engineering can gain skills and experience through designing, building, testing, repairing, and racing competitively in electric cars. | Robotics Coopersville Area Schools has a robotics team in every building 4th–12th grade. Students meet after school to design, build, and program a robot and compete in local, state, and hopefully national competitions. MEPP helps fund this club opportunity that supports exploration of skills needed in today’s workforce. |
| Career Exploration Activities Coopersville Public Schools provide multiple opportunities K–12 to explore careers. MEPP partners support CAPS through volunteering and financial assistance including guest speakers, field trips, job shadows, networking, STEM events, and practice interviews. | MEPP Scholarship Seniors who have either had the MEPP Prep class or applied for guaranteed interviews are eligible to apply for a scholarship financially supported by MEPP partners. Post-secondary goals of applicants can aim either directly to the workforce or college. |
Skills Learned Through MEPP
Through hands-on coursework and industry-aligned learning experiences, MEPP students develop technical skills across multiple areas of engineering and manufacturing.
View Skills Learned Through MEPP
Metals
- Arc, MIG, TIG, spot, and gas welding
- Metal fabricating and plasma cutting
- CNC milling and lathe machining
- Aluminum foundry and pattern making
- Print reading
Woods
- Advanced shaping and fastening techniques
- Cabinet making and finishing
- Mass production methods
- Hand and power tool use including planer, jointer, table saw, and compound miter saw
Plastics
- Injection molding
- Blow molding
- Thermoforming
- Resin casting and fiberglass
- Fluidized bed coating
CAD
- Manual drafting techniques
- AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, and Unigraphics
- GD&T and applied mathematics
- Engineering print reading
Engineering
- Battery and motor testing
- Quality control and lean processing
- Project management and prototyping
- Integration of coding with mechanical systems
Coding
- Java and JavaScript programming
- Algorithms and data manipulation
- Computing systems and networks
MEPP Industry Partners
The Manufacturing and Engineering Partnership Program is made possible through the collaboration and support of West Michigan industry partners who help connect students with real-world career opportunities.
Get Involved in MEPP
Talk with your school counselor to learn how you can get involved in the Manufacturing and Engineering Partnership Program.
Coordinators/Instructors
